Skin whitening, also known as skin bleaching, is the use of whitening supplements and chemical substances to reduce the concentration of melanin to lighten the skin. Women love radiant skin. However, some might challenge achieving an even skin due to hyperpigmentation, aging, blotchiness, breakouts, and dryness resulting from hormonal changes.
Decades of research and developments have resulted in skin whitening supplements such as Crystal Tomato that give radiant skin and other benefits. It is a genetically-modified tomato that has high concentrations of colorless carotenoids.
It promotes the skin’s even tone, acts as an antioxidant, and serves as a natural sunscreen against UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn.
It is essential to understand the difference between skin lightening, whitening, and brightening before highlighting the benefits of using skin whitening supplements.
Skin Lightening
We need to understand hyperpigmentation first.
Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of the skin. Areas usually exposed to the sun are likely to get dark patches, especially the face and hands. Repeated exposure to the sun causes hyperpigmentation. It is not harmful, but people get uncomfortable with how it makes them feel.
Melasma is another form of hyperpigmentation. It is brought about by hormonal changes. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by other skin diseases that leave dark skin spots. Skin lightening products are used to restore the natural tone of the skin. It fades out the unwanted blemishes but does not bleach the skin.
Skin Brightening
Skin brightening is about removing the dull cells to reveal glowing skin. It is about increasing the vibrancy of the skin. Skin brightening products have anti-aging effects. The skin becomes brighter, as the name of the products suggests.
Skin Whitening
It is the bleaching of your skin. The treatment gives your skin a lighter tone than your original tone. Whitening supplements are used to achieve the result.
It is a treatment that gives you a lighter skin tone. The process can involve skin whitening pills, supplements, and other processes listed in this article. Here are a few things to understand about skin whitening.
Skin Whitening Supplements
Thousands of glutathione pills popularly used for skin whitening are made from L-Cysteine, an amino acid found in most protein-based food. Since it is difficult to find adequate amounts, it can be found in natural or synthetic supplements. Its benefits are listed below.
– L-Cysteine boosts the production of Glutathione by the liver. Glutathione is an antioxidant that causes skin lightening.
– It prevents aging through the prevention of UV-induced DNA damage.
– Reduces production of pigmentation.
L-cysteine stimulates the formation of Glutathione. When your body forms Glutathione, your skin will lighten 3-4 shades lighter. It also prevents acne and blemishes. It is paired with colorless carotenoids for a porcelain look.
Colorless Carotenoids
Exposure to UV causes pigmentation and acne. Colorless carotenoids act against these factors. They are antioxidants. Its benefits:
– Prevents pigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis
– Sunscreen against UV damage
– Reduce melanin synthesis present in the cells
Benefits of Ingredients in a Skin Whitening Cream
1. Retinol
It is used for acne treatment. However, it causes an increased cell turnover. Retinol clears spots caused by hyperpigmentation to get a new layer of skin.
Benefits
– Improves skin tone by stimulating the production of new blood cells.
– Gives skin a glowy appearance through increased collagen production.
– Gets rid of dead skin that might cause uneven skin tone.
2. Kojak Acid
It improves skin tone by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin. It has anti-aging properties and clears dark spots.
Benefits
– Inhibits tyrosinase hence reducing pigmentation
– Protects the skin from free radicals caused by exposure to UV
– Clears spots caused by acne and age spots
3. Alpha Arbutin
It is the water-based syrup that clears dark spots.
Benefits
– Reverses age spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation
– Times the risk of irritation and sensitivity.
– Lightens skin by blocking melanin synthesis
4. Citric Acid
It is a protective antioxidant.
Benefits
– Reverses symptoms of photodamage
– Promotes skin regrowth through the removal of dead cells
– Makes skin soft and brighter
5. Niacinamide
It is a form of vitamin B-3 and is the best nutrient for skin damage. It treats damages resulting from exposure to the sun.
Benefits
– Keeps skin smooth and moisturized.
– Protects cells from ultraviolet rays.
– Increases collagen production, which results in the lightening of dark spots.
Harmful Ingredients
1. Hydroquinone
It is a bleaching agent that blocks enzymes that produce melanin in the body. It has skin whitening results, but users are likely to develop ochronosis, a condition that darkens the skin. It should be on low concentration with regulations on dosage and length of use if used.
2. Parabens
They are preservatives added to beauty products. If absorbed in the skin, they disrupt hormones.
3. Mercury
Some beauty products contain mercury. It can lighten your skin tone, but it is harmful to your health. Avoid products that contain mercury.
Other methods of Skin Whitening
- Prescription medication; There are over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs for this purpose.
- Chemical peel treatment; Beauty salons can have these kits. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons make this process a success by using a variety of products.
- Dermabrasion; the skin is whitened using a rotating wire brush that sands off the skin. It is an effective method for dealing with discolorations and deep wrinkles.
- Laser resurfacing; A beam of infrared light goes into the skin layers without damaging the skin, creating new skin growth.
Side Effects of Skin Whitening
Deep chemical treatments might result in hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Laser whitening can cause tightness, skin redness, and skin texture difference.
Avoid skin whitening if you have a history of heart-related disorders, a tendency to scare, or recurring fever or cold sores.
Skin whitening supplements discussed above have a range of benefits to the skin, except for the few harmful ingredients you can avoid. The benefits range from protecting the skin from harmful UV rays to reducing pigmentation. When you use the right products, you should reap the benefits of the ingredients discussed above.
